The next day, the Hawthorne family were welcomed by the Sanctum with open arms as the senior members had prepared a welcoming party for them.
Simon, Edwina, and the Sanctum Master were at the head of the table as Aaric mingled with some disciples, while Elder Huo was chatting with some monks.
"Thank you for the warm welcome, you have a beautiful Sanctum," Simon said to the Sanctum Master.
The Master smiled and replied, "This Sanctum is a blessing from the Protector, and any friend of hers is a friend to us."
After the party, some monks showed the sect to the family. The Sanctum was almost ethereal as the disciples trained with their contracted spirits. The senior members and disciples had spirits in the form of small animals, while the junior disciples had spirits that were just floating orbs of different colors.
They were then led to a building made of white marble with runes all over it. As they entered, they saw that the interior was covered with green, waist-high mist, and in the middle stood a veil.
"This is the Dimensional Veil — a connection to the un-reality where all spirits reside. This is where the disciples pray to the spirits and make contracts with them."
The Hawthorne family were intrigued. As they came closer to the veil, they saw an altar in front of it, where an eleven-year-old boy was praying with a monk by his side.
They stood beside the monk already present and just nodded in greeting, not wanting to disturb the process.
After ten minutes, Nyxthar arrived and stood beside Edwina. The monks were surprised at first but then bowed deeply to her, to which she simply looked at them and nodded.
As if delighted by Nyxthar's presence, the veil stirred, and a brown mouse stepped out, curiously moving toward the disciple. The monks widened their eyes but said nothing.
The disciple at the altar opened his eyes after some time and was delighted to see the mouse looking at him curiously. He reached out his hand, and the mouse did not move, accepting the touch. A connection was formed. The boy jumped in joy with the mouse in his arms, then turned to his master — but paused as he saw the audience around him had grown.
He bowed to Nyxthar first, surprised by her. "Ars greets the Protector."
Nyxthar approached the boy as the rat climbed onto her. "Greetings, young one. Take care of your little friend from now on," she said with a smile.
Ars then greeted his master with great joy on his face. The rat returned to his arms. "Master, thank you for your guidance."
His master smiled happily and patted his head.
As they were leaving, Aaric approached the boy and chatted with him.
"Congratulations, I'm Aaric, nice to meet you."
Aaric introduced himself, and Ars did the same. Ars seemed cheerful and friendly, someone Aaric liked. The mouse dissipated into motes of light and entered Ars's chest, as spirits could not remain in the physical world for long periods.
The family were now integrated into the Sanctum, and Aaric had made a new friend.
On the second day of their stay, the family had to go to a Ministry gathering as nobles, so they were in their mansion, getting ready. Aaric and Simon wore black suits with golden embroidery, and Edwina wore a green dress — all gifts from the sect in China. Elder Huo was dressed in white robes; he would also be attending as an introduction into the family.
In the manor of a noble house, a party was taking place with most noble families and high-ranking Ministry officials present, including the Minister of Magic.
During the party, four people entered, attracting the attention of many lords and ladies as the Minister rushed to greet Simon. "I was waiting for your arrival to add some much-needed life to the party," the Minister said quietly, ensuring no one else heard.
Simon chuckled and greeted the Minister, while the family mingled. Aaric went to greet the Greengrass sisters, with Draco approaching soon after.
Daphne was still a little distant toward Aaric and seemed sleep-deprived. Astoria was much more cheerful and greeted the boys eagerly, asking many questions as she would be joining Hogwarts this year.
"Is it true that there are moving stairs and rooms that eat people in Hogwarts?" Astoria asked.
Aaric grinned. "Yes — there are moving stairs that lead you to be eaten by student-eating rooms. But if you play pranks on students, it won't affect you."
Astoria was scared at first but smiled in the end. "I will play lots of pranks then."
Daphne huffed and hit Aaric on the back of the head, as Draco laughed.
"Don't worry — if you're in Slytherin, I won't let anyone touch you," Draco added.
As the party went on, Aaric noticed a pink toad talking to his father.
He rubbed his eyes and leaned toward Draco. "Is that a talking pink toad, or just a monstrosity?"
Draco looked and, after a pause, answered, "Yes."
Aaric then approached Simon, with Draco following.
"There are many true wizards and witches you can employ too. I will send you a Ministry-vetted list tomorrow for administrative tasks in your ventures," the toad was blabbering toward Simon, who merely nodded while continuing his conversation with Lucius and Ignatius.
The toad perhaps did not notice the three men treating her like air. Even Lucius ignored her — he knew with the nonsense she was spouting, acknowledging her would not be in his interest.
"Dad, can I invite Draco for—" Aaric began, but the toad interrupted.
"This is not the time, child. Go play with your friends."
The men turned toward her, Simon narrowing his eyes.
"Silence," he said evenly to Dolores, who froze. He then turned back to Aaric and gestured for him to continue with a smile.
"Yes… I was asking if I can invite Draco with me to visit the sect someday?"
Simon nodded, seeing no problem with that. Even if Draco told his parents about their connections in China, it would only raise their reputation.
"I am the Undersecretary to the Minister of Magic — how could you speak to me like that?" Umbridge blurted, still in shock.
Simon glanced at her from the corner of his eye. "At least have the courtesy not to disturb me when I am talking to my son. And do not presume to tell me how to run my business. Leave now."
Umbridge was shaking at this point. The Minister, who had approached and overheard the last part, went pale and said, "Forgive me, Lord Hawthorne, I need to borrow Madam Umbridge for a moment."
Simon simply shrugged, as the kids and men carried on as if nothing had happened, while the Minister led the toad away, whispering furiously in her ear.
A/n: stones